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The Hazards of a National Geographic Photographer...

Reality Check

This page is dedicated to Wes Skiles who died doing the work he loved. Sadie Quarrier, senior photo editor, National Geographic Magazine says:   “I was lucky enough to work with Wes as his photo editor on (his) “Bahamas Blue Holes” story for NGM. He was deeply passionate about diving, exploring, photographing and protecting the waterways… Wes was big-hearted and humble yet extremely driven. He was doggedly determined to produce the best possible article on these caves he called home. He dared to dream big, and no budget or contract would stop him from going after a shot he felt we needed, even if it was on his own dime…”

There have been other deaths over the years and many serious injuries. The posts below are recent survey responses from 45 photographers about some of the hazards encountered while on assignment for the National Geographic Society. The numbers represent individual incidents.

It's a Glamorous Life

  • 2

    Stoned by Religious Group

  • 1

    Paraglider Crash Landing in Tree

  • 16

    Various Parasites

  • 1

    Chased by Crocodile

  • 8

    Giardia

  • 1

    Held at Knifepoint

  • 20

    Amoebic Dysentery

  • 4

    Broken Bones

  • 3

    Beaten

  • 6

    Random Assault

  • 2

    Fall Into Crevasse

  • 2

    Held at Gunpoint

  • 30

    Wound Infection

  • 9

    Groped

  • 6

    Broken Ribs

  • 21

    Paraglider Crash

  • 8

    Assorted Animal Attacks

  • 1

    Hunted with Bows and Arrows

  • 1

    Paraglider Crash Landing on Sea Ice

  • 1

    Acid Dripping Caves

  • 29

    Frostbite (23 for one photographer)

  • 1

    Viper in Camera Bag

  • 1

    Land on Rock Ledge After 90 Foot Fall

  • 2

    Lost in Andes

  • 1

    Hotel Surrounded by Rebels

  • 3

    Imprisoned

  • 1

    Out of Air Diving Under Sea Ice

  • 1

    Lost at Sea

  • 4

    Burns

  • 13

    Run Checkpoint

  • 2

    Seat Belt Releases with Helicopter Tipped Over Volcano

  • 7

    Dislocations

  • 3

    Trips into Chernobyl Reactor

  • 13

    Robbed

  • 33

    Arrest or House Arrest

  • 1

    Loa-Loa Worm in Eye

  • 1

    Flesh Eating Parasites

  • 3

    Chased by Wild Elephant

  • 1

    Streaming Blood While Hanging from Harness at 1500 feet

  • 1

    Punched in Face

  • 5

    Plane or Helicopter Crash

  • 1

    Strongyloide Invasion

  • 1

    Paraglider Crash Landing in Ocean

  • 12

    Severe Insect Problems

  • 1

    Diagnosed PTSD

  • 12

    Falls

  • 1

    Bit by Ticks (in my penis)

  • 3

    Extreme Toxins

  • 2

    Assault by Florida panther. 2 photographers, 2 assignments, same panther.

  • 9

    Hypothermia

  • 2

    Buried in Avalanche

  • 10

    Rope Burn

  • 90

    Severe Diarrhea

  • 1

    Stabbed

  • 4

    Tear Gassed

  • 19

    Severe Dehydration

  • 1

    Meningitis

  • 1

    Attack by 9,000 pound Elephant Seal

  • 1

    Spitting Cobra Attacks

  • 1

    Scaffolding Collapse

  • 5

    Malaria

  • 1

    Blinded by Wasps

  • 2

    Broken Nose

  • 9

    Venomous Bites

  • 1

    Out of Air Diving Under Oil Rig

  • 1

    Broken Tail Bone

  • 1

    Dengue Fever

  • 1

    Penis Fish

  • 2

    Temporary Blindness

  • 21

    Threatened / Detained / Abducted

  • 7

    Car or Bus Crash